About Fish

Fish has provided a helping hand for 41 years. Historically, Fish has been one of the most accessible emergency agencies serving the Portland area. It is a direct-service agency helping about 1,685 Oregonians per month. Individuals and families come to Fish for temporary assistance to meet basic needs. Fish provides emergency food boxes, clothing, personal care products (soap, toothpaste, laundry soap, etc.) and referrals to people most in need.

Fish isn’t a food bank or a United Way agency.

Almost half the people Fish serves are from North, Northeast and Southeast Portland, but there are more people seeking help from all of Multnomah and Clackamas counties.

Fish does not charge for any of the services provided to its clients or to the community. However, it does work to ensure that those served take the steps necessary to gain their independence.

Mission Statement

The primary objective of Fish Emergency Service is to provide emergency help to any and all persons who find themselves in difficulties because their basic needs cannot be met due to economic deprivation; and to assist, encourage and develop the connection for people to take action when a neighbor needs help because of illness, loneliness, old age, blindness, family disintegration, loss of employment and educational opportunity.

No person shall be excluded from receiving assistance based on their race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital or family status.